Beloved mall to shut down prompting remaining tenants to find new arrangements
WEST DUNDEE — While it is no secret that Spring Hill Mall has been in a sharp decline once its anchor stores started closing, many locals were saddened to learn that current Spring Hill Mall owner, Kohan Retail Investment Group, had reportedly sent a letter to its remaining tenants informing them of the mall’s closure. Tenants were allegedly told that they needed to vacate the mall by no later than March 22.
“We want to express our gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey as we close our doors at Spring Hill Mall,” Kohan Retail Investment Group said in a statement to NBC Chicago Friday. “Although this marks the end of our time here, we’re eager to see what the future holds for the local business landscape and believe that great opportunities await.”
Despite the mall closing, West Dundee Village President Chris Nelson announced that the Cinemark movie theater and Kohl’s would remain open.
“The village had sought to coordinate the closure announcement with the current owners, but as is their right, the current owner elected to contact their tenants directly this morning (Feb. 22). The village still plans to acquire the mall property; wholesale redevelopment is the primary goal,” Nelson stated on his Facebook page.
The Village of West Dundee is expected to close on the acquisition of the mall property nearly two weeks after it closes for business.
According to the Feb. 14 comprehensive plan from the Village of Carpentersville, the current plan for the mall is for it to be re-imagined as having a range of residential housing, entertainment options, and an assortment of retailers.
Carpentersville will need to work with West Dundee to redevelop the mall site since the property is in both municipalities. This means that both villages will need to coordinate TIF incentives and make approvals that create a high standard of development for residents.
Nelson added that the process of redeveloping the area will likely take a minimum of five to 10 years.
In the meantime, some of the mall’s tenants, like Hot Topic, are already finalizing their departure, with the retailer announcing that it will be leaving Spring Hill Mall on Feb. 29.
